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I was being facetious. Good grief, is it a male thing that SO MUCH must be explained with charts and graphs and crayons on paper?? There was nothing mentioned about why I'm married to him or if I love him because my post isn't ABOUT that. It's about being with somebody who is as much a foodie as I ever was but doesn't have the weight issue that I do. I'm making changes, and he's almost acting put out that his eating buddy isn't going along with HIS program. It's frustration. Maybe you've never experienced that. Maybe you haven't been at this long enough, or you don't have somebody you've been with 17 years who can have a tendence to put his wants above your NEEDS. It's not whether I love him or not, this is an issue that I have had with him more than once that has aided me in falling off the wagon. It's like having two alcoholics and one chooses to abstain while the other remains an alcoholic and the change in those people's relationship towards eachother while they try to work out their relationship with alcohol. It's really no different. *Oh wait, I just looked -- hell, you haven't even been BANDED yet, so you have NO idea what I'm talking about. Figures.

I'm going to try really hard to not sound judgemental, but what makes you think binge drinking is a good life decision? Surgery or no surgery it's irresponsible and unhealthy. You had VSG surgery to help you lose weight, thereby making you healthier. Why would you throw it all away for college parties? If you want to be successful at the weight loss, and at life in general, you will stop going overboard with the alcohol. This whole "I'm not an alcoholic until I graduate" thing is complete and total bullsh*t. I hope you know that. Buckle up, eat right (high Protein, low carb), don't drink, and you will see the sleeve still works for you. You will get out of it what you put into it.

I didn't read the rest of the thread and just read the initial post but it sounds like you may need direct counseling rather than a support group. You may be addicted to food and alcohol.

I am pretty new here and was only sleeved 6 days ago. I have been obese (I damaged my back and hip and no excersise and bad food choices makes for extra weight) for some time lost weight put it on and more etc etc. when starting the whole process almost a year ago, the surgeon I chose (I'm in Australia) has a wholistic clinic with him, 2 dieticians, 2 psycs, 2 doctors and a support line. It was a little more expensive but once paid you are a life member. I chose this clinic because I do have a problem with food (would not be here if I didn't) I chose a mantra that I use quietly in my head "If I always do what I've always done, I will always get what I've always got". This works for so many scenarios, using it over the year saw me bring other areas of my life into question. I was bullied at work, I was a sucker for every as*^^^**le out there and I did not know (or not strong enough) to say no or ask for help. I now have a new job where I am respected, I have learned to say NO to things/people that are not good for me and overall happier. I have fears sure, fears this WLS won't work for me, fears my son and I will end up on the streets cause I spent every cent on this surgery lol (actually serious). But every day is a new one and yesterday is done and gone. Cooking tips stick to KISS keep it simple stupid (just a saying not personal). As I have no family my sone was home while I was in hospital (don't panic he is just 18). He used YouTube vids on simple cooking for uni students to fend for himself while I was gone and only had takeaway once. I don't believe you are an alcoholic, I think you just need to understand that you can get drunk on a lot less alcohol than you used to, you head is used to the fact that 5-6 drinks got you drunk and now your body only needs one. Bring back to basics that a normal 3 meals a day and 2 Snacks is what it took to fill your normal day but now your reduced tank can only deal with a third of it and so while the ratio has not really changed the amount has. Not sure what you are studying but if it is finance think of it as while the interest rate has changed the principal has not, the principal always has to be paid first (protien always has to be consumed first). Two stroke motor there always has to be petrol as the additive on its own will screw the motor (what ever your interest there is an equation). I do hope you can get some help, you did not take this journey for nothing remember the reason you started. Get off the merry go round (it's boring) ride the roller coast lots of ups and downs and a whole lot more fun. Good luck and good health to all. BTW thanks to all on these threads for being and inspiration, a voice on my shoulder, a reason to re evaluate and some times just a good laugh!

Margaritas are extremely high in calories. If they offer a skinny or low calorie version that would be better. I drink prosecco. Yes it is somewhat bubbly but I let the bubbles die down some. You can get a whole glass for 50 calories. I ran this by my surgeon last week and he said I'm good to go with that as my alcohol choice.

Well...that's just it. I sort of have been in his shoes. Before I was married to DH, I was married to a man who developed non-alcoholic liver disease. I took care of him until the day he died. In fact, he died in my arms, on our 25th wedding anniversary. The last 8 years of our marriage was sexless, due to the liver disease. I was in my early 40's, so this was not exactly what I had signed on for. But I did sign the contract (the marriage license), and I lived up to it 100%. I did not use LDH's (Late Dear Husband's) poor health as an excuse to commit adultery. Nor do I think anyone else should. I'm sorry. I think it's wrong. So don't ask me. Which brings us to the next problem. Mr P is truly a nice man, and I do want to be his friend. But I am terrified, because he IS such a nice man, that at some point he will ask us, "Do you think what I'm doing is a terrible thing?" My DH would KILL me if I said "yes". My conscience would kill me if I said "no".

My bandages were removed before discharge. Had no drain. Was advised to use soap & Water. Inaddition to that I cleaned daily with 70% alcohol. Had no issues.

The something worse has me worried for you. Are you safe? As far as the weight gain, your doctor isn't there to judge. Just be honest. And you are taking steps in the right direction by going to therapy and working towards getting your pill/alcohol consumption under control.

What about non carbonated alcoholic drinks, such as Amaretto Sours? I haven't been banded yet but I enjoy this drink once or twice a month. I'm also a Pepsi addict but am looking forward to kicking that habit. Blessings, Michelle

Thanks Mary: Yes they told me about the Belly button. I am using alcohol & a Q-tip. I guess its close to where they are going? I have to stay overnight as well even though I do not have a CPAP machine. I think all his patients stay over. I guess its a good thing so we can be monitored. Make it come quick now. Tomorrow should be a tough one to get thru. Good Luck again ! We need all we can get at this point. Chris

hahaha! your too cute! No i don't know what that drink is, but it sure does sound good! Keep us posted. . . I drink good ole rum and diet coke myself ever since i was 3 months out and i'm out 14 months now and love my alcoholic beverages!

Ok It's 85 outside.. it was in the 90s yesterday.. I'm feeling summer mode creeping up on me. I was looking at drink mixers for summer of course (along with shorts & tank tops... YIKES!!!!). I know, I'm going to wait until I'm cleared for alcohol but a girl can dream in the meantime can't she? I came across a brand of mixers called Baja Bob's. They're all low to no carb/0 cal etc etc. They're Hungry Girl approved as well. Has anyone tried them? I've VERY curious how they are before I spend the money because I love me some tropical rum drinks in tiki glasses on the deck in our backyard with the dh & our herd of dogs. The website is BajaBob.com if anyone is interested. LOL The legend of Bob is kind of a funny story too. I had a mental image of my husband and his friends all admitting to each other (in very dejected tones) "Ya we're on a low carb diet too".

I was diagnosed with pancreatitis about 6 weeks after my surgery...the really scary part was that the bariatric surgeon attributed my pain to a simple pulled muscle. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was advised to follow up with my PCP (board certified in internal medicine). A good thing that I did...because he took one look at the lab results run during the time I was in the hospital and noticed my lipase level was significantly elevated...which indicates inflammation in the pancreas. As per my PCP, there are generally only 3 reasons for this enzyme to become elevated - 2% is medication induced (quite rare), ~48% is from excessive drinking of alcohol, and the other ~48% is from gall bladder issues...not only related to gallstones. There is a significant relationship between rapid and significant weight loss and gallbladder disease. In my case, my gallbladder essentially has ceased to function entirely..as diagnosed by my HIDA scan. My PCP does not attribute this entirely to my weight loss, but was exacerbated by my weight loss to the degree where I can now feel the nausea and pain. He felt eventually that the symptoms would have appeared, the weight loss just sped up the process. I have a surgical consult scheduled for next week to determine when or if I need to have my gallbladder removed...this drill is getting old. If I need to have this surgery it will be my 3rd abdominal surgery in less than a year. But, I still have no regrets about having my band surgery. Best wishes to you...feel better!

I begin my liquid diet on Monday for surgery on the 10th. I am dreading this more than having my stomach removed. My reaction to food deprivation is scary. I turn into a child begging for food, crying, sometimes yelling...and I'm a successful 37 year old woman! I'm going to do it though. What I want to know is of the 1000 calories I am allowed to have, should I be able to choose any liquid to eat as long as I stay in my calorie range? (Except alcohol of course!) Meaning do I have to pay strict attention to fat and carbs? What would happen if I cheated one night? (Going to a party for the Hunger Games (ha ha) and there will be mounds of food.) At 220 lbs and a BMI of 42, does anyone know the amount of weight I would be expected to lose? Does anyone have any tips or tricks that they did during their 2 week pre-op? Thanks, guys, I'm so glad you're here.

Calories in Alcohol DescriptionServing SizeskCalFat(g) Calories in Best/Premium BitterPint187 Calories in Draught MildPint136 Calories in Gin & Slimline TonicSingle56 Calories in Gin & TonicSingle120 Calories in Red Wine175ml Glass119 Calories in Regular BitterPint170 Calories in Regular Dry CiderPint204 Calories in Vodka & CokeSingle120 Calories in Vodka & Diet CokeSingle56 Calories in Vodka, Lime & SodaSingle76 Calories in Whisky & LemonadeSingle82 Calories in White Wine - Dry175ml Glass116

My surgeon advised during her seminar that you SHOULD choose lapband if you don't want to give up alcohol entirely. Current thinking is that alcohol can be very dangerous for gastric bypass because the alcohol goes straight into the system of a GB patient without being metabolized at all by the stomach. With lapband, the processing of alcohol is not changed at all. I will warn you that it may make your band feel tighter the next morning, though. Since alcohol is a diuretic, the rebound effect the next day may cause you to retain water which can make your band feel tighter.

1--Yes, the BM's stink more, but I don't recall having rave reviews about my pre-op BM's, either LOL. The first two DS people I met in 3D are married (as am I) and have husbands who chase them around (as do I), so it can't be all THAT bad. One woman is the "professional wife" of a very successful businessman and they host A LOT of business-related events. She is still a very popular hostess and is also involved in DS-related events that many people attend. The other has a business of her own and spends a lot of time in the presence of others in a situation that depends on referrals. She gets those referrals. HOWEVER, to prevent smelly stools, we limit carbs. And, there is a product called Devrom, which is used by ostomy patients, to "deodorize" their stools. I have it here but haven't used it yet. The problem for me is that I have very limited olfactory ability...generally speaking I LITERALLY "can't smell shit." So I worry about stinky poop all the time. 2--Sharing a bathroom might be a problem, at least at first. But mostly because immediately post-op, there are a lot of BM's and less warning time than usual. (You get used to that, AND the warning time increases over time.) But our immediate post-op mantra is "never trust a fart." One time, my sister went right into the bathroom after I had used it and came back out to report that the body I had hidden in there was now ripe. But she has used it since then and I always ask and she says there have been no repeat incidents. I worry about it all the time...but I can't smell it. So I use a lot of stuff...at home I have absorbent deodorant crystals and an oil reed diffuser thingy and I use fragrance-free Oust each time and, because there is no window, there is a bathroom exhaust fan. When we remodel the bathroom ...at the end of the month...ARG...we will upgrade the fan, but mostly because the old one is so noisy and I use it all the time, "just in case." I have a small can of Ozium in my purse when we go out AND a small container of disposable baby wipes. I think I've used the Ozium three or four times, just in case...and the baby wipes a couple of times, just to feel clean. 3--My dietary restrisctions are: a) no booze first year post-op...not because of the surgery itself, but because my surgeon feels that the very rapid weight loss puts enough strain on the liver and alcohol adds to that burden. Some doctors say to drink "in moderation." One DS girlfriend laughs and asks why her doctor would think that, at 334 pounds, she had any concept of "moderation." (She's the one who stopped at In'n'Out Burgers on the way home from surgery!!) :cool: excess carbs will likely cause smelly poop. Banded, even one or two bites of sourdough bread at my favorite restaurant would send me to the restroom hurling. Now I can easily enjoy that bite or two. But if I want to eat two big slabs of the stuff, I have to ask myself if I'm willing to pay the price of having two or three extra BM's the next morning. It's a judgement call. But it's my decision. c) Other than those warnings, NOTHING IS FORBIDDEN. I can drink beverages before, during and after meals. 4--I do not feel "full to capacity" like with the band. I feel "full to capacity" and satisfied...like Thanksgiving before any wls. I just get full on less food. LOL. This was a question I kept asking while deciding. But since I didn't know any band-to-DS-revision people, nobody really understood the question or had anything to compare it to. It feels like you never had any surgery at all. You just have way more food to go in the doggy-bag. 5--WHAT KIND OF chicken AND BREAD? If it's white meat chicken, it's likely too dry. Banded, I had to change to thighs and drumsticks--dark meat only. And, the only bread I could eat without getting plugged up was the crispy crust of the sourdough served at my local favorite restaurant and that had to be slathered with butter...which kind of defeated the purpose of the band. But what I'm saying is that those foods may be on your permanent no-no list if they make you uncomfortable. 6--You already have the band, give it your best. A lot of people do very well with the band. With what you've been through already, you just have to really, honestly give it your best effort. But if you develop any complications or if you cannot comply with the program, there are other options.

gonnabethin - your post scared me! I was trying to figure out how one drink could have 1150.0 calories - but the 0.0 means something else. DUH Bettina: Try vanilla vodka with a diet vanilla coke and a cap full of vanilla extract. (I really like vanilla) It tastes like a really vanilla delight. And if I'm feeling especially naughty I'll add a shot of vanilla rum. Cabana Boy. LOL But I thought we were supposed to give up alcohol post banding? My surgeon was adamant about that. So was the behaviorist, matter of fact. I wonder if that's fact or if that's judgment! Mmmmmm booze. I'm going to dream about buttery nipple shots and tequila shooters. Nathalie

This is the third time I've gotten sick while being banded...pnemonia/flu. When I live in extremely cold climates this happens to me. New England now Utah....all this snow! Anyways, get your fluids in if you think you are getting sick. I can't even drink because my band seems to get really tight. I'm on maintenance yet I am spewing my fluids again. Hydration is so important with the band. Drink your Water and if you don't like water...anything is better than nothing. Stay away from alcohol as it causes dehydration in the cells. Anyone else have this happen to them? Sick and spewing? Any idea on how I can get some fluids in...w/o going to the ER for an IV?

I am shocked at people getting attacked for going against the grain here. If you are 600lbs, then obviously you have a serious problem and need tons of rules and guidelines to break your very serious issue. No carbs, no falling off the wagon, plenty of exercerise, listening to Nutritionists..all that good stuff, by the book you must follow to get to a normal weight. It's like telling an alcoholic that they shouldn't drink again, sound advice. Then there are people like me, and possibly bugle girl. I wasn't 600lbs. I was sick of dieting, really really sick of trying my whole life to lose 50-60 lbs. up and down roller coaster. I went into it not following any of the rules, and I got exactly what I wanted out of it. I could still socially eat, enjoy food, but have a little less of everything. I ate everything I did before, but way way way less. Only issues I've had were gallbladder and feeling weak. My weight loss was achieved. I never once felt deprived, and I feel I can carry about a normal life. Co-worker brings in cupcakes?- yes thankyou I will have one. I get a pizza and eat for a week, instead of a day. So can we at least agree that it is not a one-size fits all solution to this? And for hecks sake, stop attacking everyone on here that doesn't have the same approach and diet plan you would give to someone morbidly obese. I am not an alcoholic, never was, I can drink a beer and not fall apart, same thing with food.

I'm sure it does have bad things for you, like everything else. But now we eat so much less...it should not be too bad I wouldn't think. I have not had any of the FF cool whip, but my Dad eats it with everything!!! He uses is to sweeten and cream up his oatmeal ( I know...silly man!!). My only word of caution on any of the diet things is watch the sugar alcohols, talk about tummy distress!!! They can blow you up like a balloon!!! The word "gas" does not even begin to cover it!!! Kat

Alcohol -- I liked to drink pre opp and that hasn't gone away post opp. In fact, since food is much more effort, drinking sort of becomes easier. I now see why people caution about the dangers of substituting.I agree with this, I am struggling since eating is still rough for me Im 6 weeks out and Wine goes down way easier then chewing chicken for 10 minutes then getting that full feeling stuck in my esophogus for an hour.

hi All It is good to see some new names joining in here, i was banded in Christchurch on 29th June, life is great 6 months down the track, although i have had more surgery to take my only ovary i had left due to a large cyst, so it has been slow going for me but in my band I have 7ml and I finally have restriction and the weight is dropping off, less of the alcohol and christmas food and I will be ok, Bring on 2008 my year to be healthy, i hope all you guys have a great christmas Ange

Idk why this keeps coming up? Search alcohol and it's all the same on here also do a google search or no take an anatomy class! Point blank you want to drink then do it see what happens, see how you might be lucky a few times but then one day, one day you wake up with a clot in your liver, you wake up with stomach pain so bad it's hard to get up bc of a cyst, let's not forget the kidneys! One day you could wake up with kidney disease not bc it was inherited but bc you drank alcohol!! Vitamins forget that they won't help you after you pop them in your mouth... But go ahead drink them sips of alcohol see how lucky you can be!!! It's only up to you not us Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am in agreement with Splenderella. Just to demonstrate that alcohol temperance or abstention must a life-long objective: I had my initial RNY 30 years ago and still cannot drink more than 1 or 2 cocktails or glasses of wine before becoming inebriated. As a result I drink very rarely and stop at one drink. Addiction transference is a real thing for WLS patients. Some become alcoholics after surgery, perhaps because alcohol is a substitute for food addiction, a different coping mechanism. Be cautious with alcohol after surgery and keep track of your drinking behavior. Be honest with your surgeon and dietitian about your alcohol intake. Have your first drink at home in a safe environment. Avoid alcohol for as long as you can, for at least six months post-surgery. Alcohol dehydrates you, so be sure to drink extra water. Stay away from all sweet drinks, which can make you dump. Alcoholic drinks are empty calories, which should be reason enough to abstain. Alcohol hits your bloodstream much faster after surgery so it will affect you much harder. Never drink and drive. The way alcohol affects you after surgery will definitely impair your ability to drive.